WASHINGTON (TNND) — Iran has “substantially increased” efforts to target U.S. officials and diplomats abroad, with lethal plots believed to be in “advanced stages” in the Middle East, according to an intelligence memo obtained by Fox News and Axios.
The unclassified memo was sent by Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday, with U.S. officials confirming the document’s authenticity, per the media outlets.
WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 15: Jay Clayton appears before the Senate Intelligence Committee during his confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill July 15, 2026 in Washington, DC. Currently serving as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Clayton’s hearing comes days after his department signed off on controversial subpoenas against New York Times reporters. (Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Getty Images)
Clayton warned that intelligence involving Iranian assassination plots should be shared with additional U.S. personnel, Axios, who broke the news on Friday, reported. The report did not identify possible targets, the alleged planners, or specific countries where plots may be unfolding.
The warning came as the State Department reduced staffing at U.S. diplomatic missions. The department directed nonessential government employees and eligible family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh and consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
The personnel drawdown followed escalating attacks blamed on Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who control much of Yemen. U.S. officials have cited growing concern that violence could broaden beyond Saudi Arabia.
It was not immediately clear whether the memo prompted additional security measures for American diplomats, military personnel, or private citizens elsewhere. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the State Department did not immediately comment publicly on the assessment.
The memo comes amid mounting tensions between Washington and Tehran. Iran has repeatedly denied directing attacks by regional armed groups, while U.S. officials have accused Tehran of backing organizations that threaten American interests and allies across the Middle East.
